2017 Kia Forte5 makes first appearance at 2016 Detroit Auto Show

In addition to the new 2017 Forte Sedan, the Forte5 also made an appearance at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Both the Forte and Forte5 have picked up some cues from the 2017MY of the best-selling Optima. The Forte5’s 2017 model year version will now carry a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. No pricing has been announced during the car show yet, but should be available before the end of the first six months of 2016.

The design language found in the new 2016 Optima also makes an appearance in the Forte5, much as they did with the Forte. This includes the “tiger nose” grille, together with revamped visuals for the front headlights.

To complement the headlights, Kia also added newly designed rear lights to the visual theme for the new model of the Forte5. LED daytime running lights and taillights are also standard features in the new Forte5 as well.

About the only design element carried over from previous versions is the hatchback appearance, inspired by European vehicles of the same class. The Forte5 is offered in three trim options – LX, EX and SX. The LX, which is the entry-level trim, now offers project beam headlights as well as a technology for detecting hazards in one’s Blind Spots when driving. This makes it very safe for Forte5 drivers to change lanes, as it also comes with alerts for Rear-Cross Traffic.

Other features in the LX trim include remote keyless entry with trunk opening capabilities. These features are optional across all trims of the Forte 5. On the other hand, the EX trim now has features that have been previously optional as standards.

These include UVO eServices, seats upholstered in leather, LED bulbs in the taillights and Smart Key push button startups, among others. The Forte5’s infotainment system, like the Forte’s, comes with a 7-inch color touchscreen as an interface.

Through this touchscreen, smartphone and mobile devices can be integrated into the infotainment system, and can be used to send SMS, browse for music, and find traffic and driving information. All of these features are standard with the SX trim option, alongside 18-inch alloy wheels and dual exhaust tip finishers.

The SX trim also receives a new Orange Color Pack, which adds orange inserts to the leather seats as well as to the shifter. The new SX Trim also comes with red-accented front and rear fascias as well.

SX trim is also the only one in the range to feature an optional 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine. Standard option for engines is the 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder engine, which can be mated to either a six-speed manual or second-generation six-speed automatic transmission.

2017 Kia Forte5 SX with 1.6-liter engine can also be paired with an optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Kia Motors America today unveiled the 2017 Forte5 alongside its similarly refreshed sedan sibling at the North American International Auto Show. Along with visual enhancements to the front and rear, the new Forte5 also adds a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and newly available convenience and driver-assistance features previously introduced on the all-new Optima. Pricing for the 2017 Forte5 will be announced closer to the vehicle’s on-sale date in the first half of 2016.

While the new Forte5 maintains its European-inspired hatchback design, it appears bolder than ever for 2017. Like the sedan, the Forte5’s front clip is highlighted by a wider version of the signature “tiger nose” grille, similar to the one found on the all-new 2016 Optima. The grille connects redesigned headlights that sweep back around the front fenders, giving the new Forte5 more road presence than the outgoing model. Around back, revised taillights complete the exterior redesign, and higher trim levels go one step further with standard LED daytime running lights and taillights.

Three trim levels remain - LX, EX, and SX – and each one brings something new to the table for 2017. The entry-level LX is handsomely equipped with features such as projector beam headlights and remote keyless entry with trunk opener and is now available with Blind Spot Detection3 with Lane Change Assist and Rear-Cross Traffic Alert, as these advanced driver-assistance systems are optional across the entire range. The EX sees the most changes as previous options – including LED taillights, leather seats, heated front seats, push-button start with Smart Key, and perimeter approach lighting with front-door pocket lighting – are now standard along with UVO eServices4. Kia’s UVO infotainment system offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlayTM (late availability) compatibility, and is displayed on a 7-inch color touchscreen4. Both platforms allow drivers to stay connected by replicating key smartphone apps and functionality on the touchscreen, enabling them to send text messages, access music, or look up driving directions while behind the wheel. The sporty SX trim comes with all that and more, including 18-inch alloy wheels, unique front and rear fascias with red accents, and dual exhaust tip finishers. Also new for the SX is an Orange Color Pack, which further signifies the SX’s sporty nature with orange leather seat inserts and contrasting stitching on the seats and shifter.

Underneath the hood, the 2017 Forte5 comes standard with a 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder engine, which is paired with a six-speed manual transmission or an available second-generation six-speed automatic transmission. Maintaining the sport theme in the SX is a zippy 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine, which is now available with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Power ratings and fuel economy figures will be released closer to launch, while 2017 Koup details will be released at a later date.

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